Friday, February 12, 2010

The American Psychiatric Association has released the proposed draft diagnostic criteria for the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).
These are initial drafts of the recommendations made to date by the DSM-5 Work Groups. One of the most significant proposed revisions is in the diagnostic category of Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence. Specifically, Work Group members propose a new category of “autism spectrum disorder,” which incorporates the current diagnoses of autistic disorder (autism), Asperger’s disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). This category reflects members’ conclusion that “a single spectrum disorder” better describes our current understanding about pathology and clinical presentation of the pervasive developmental disorders.

A critically important feature of the proposed criteria for ASD is a change from three (autistic triad) to two domains; “social/communication deficits” and “fixated and repetitive pattern of behaviors.” Several social/communication criteria were merged to clarify diagnostic requirements and reflect research indicating that deficits in communication are “inseparable and more accurately considered as a single set of symptoms...” Members also note that language deficits are neither universal in ASD, nor should they be considered as a defining feature of the diagnosis. This is consistent with Simon Baron-Cohen’s (2008) notion that the social and communication domains cannot be separated, as “communication is always social.” Likewise, Wilkinson (2010) notes that in actual practice, it is very difficult to identify individuals with significant impairment in social and behavioral domains who do not have some degree of communication deficit. Thus, it is possible that someone who meets the DSM-IV-TR criteria for Asperger’s disorder will also meet the criteria for autistic disorder. The proposed elimination of Asperger’s disorder from the DSM is also consistent with Lorna Wing’s initial contention that this pervasive developmental disorder is part of a spectrum of conditions and that there are no clear boundaries separating it from other autistic disorders (Wing, 2005).

Another significant revision in the criteria involves the requirement that “delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the three core developmental areas be present by the age of three.” The proposed criteria now state that although an autism spectrum disorder must be present from infancy or early childhood, it may not be identified until later in the child’s development. This is consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of autism in which a child who manifests the characteristics of ‘‘autism’’ after age 3 could still be diagnosed as having the disorder. This revision is especially important because many capable children with ASD are not diagnosed in early childhood and can be identified for intervention and treatment at later ages.

The proposed criteria for the new category of autism spectrum disorder are as follows:

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Must meet criteria 1, 2, and 3:

1. Clinically significant, persistent deficits in social communication and interactions, as manifest by ALL of the following:

a. Marked deficits in nonverbal and verbal communication used for social interaction:

b. Excessive adherence to routines and ritualized patterns of behavior

c. Restricted, fixated interests

3. Symptoms must be present in early childhood (but may not become fully manifest until social demands exceed limited capacities)

A more detailed summary and discussion of the proposed draft revisions to DSM disorders and criteria are available from http://www.dsm5.org. A reminder that these are initial drafts of the recommendations of the DSM Work Groups and that comments are invited. The public will be able to submit comments until April 20, 2010. The final approved version of the fifth edition is expected in 2013.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

The National Autism Center has completed its National Standards Project on addressing the need for evidence-based practice guidelines for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The primary goal of the project was to provide critical information about which treatments have been shown to be effective for children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD. This multiyear and comprehensive analysis examines and quantifies the level of research supporting interventions and treatments that target the core deficits of ASD. The findings include the identification of eleven (11) “established’ treatments; twenty-two (22) “emerging” treatments; and five (5) “unestablished” treatments. The report is available from the National Autism Center at their website (www.nationalautismcenter.org). This information is especially important to service providers, educators, caregivers and parents as it identifies evidence-based treatments and provides standards and guidelines on making treatment choices. Interventions or treatments identified as categories of “established” and effective treatments include the following.

Treatment strategies associated with these categories include applied behavior analysis (ABA), positive behavior support, discrete trial training, incidental teaching, peer-mediated interactions, pivotal response teaching, schedules, self-monitoring, and perspective taking activities such as social stories. More detailed descriptions are available from the National Standards Report (2009). The report also suggests that practitioners continue to follow the recommendations for the provision of services provided by the National Research Council (2001). Specifically, educational services provided as soon as the child is identified with an autism spectrum disorder and scientifically validated approaches implemented according to each child’s unique educational and developmental needs.

National Research Council (2001). Educating children with autism. Committee on Educational Interventions for Children Autism, Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education. Washington, DC: National Academy Press.

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The objective of bestpracticeautism.com is to advocate, educate, and informby providing a best practice guide to the screening, assessment, and intervention for school-age children on the autism spectrum. Timely articles and postings include topics such as screening, evaluation, positive behavior support (PBS), self-management, educational planning, IEP development, gender differences, evidence-based interventions (EBI) and more. This site also features up-to-date information on scientifically validated treatment options for children with ASD and a list of best practice books, articles, and links to organizations. Designed to be a practical and useful resource, bestpracticeautism.com offers essential information for psychologists, teachers, counselors, advocates and attorneys, special education professionals, and parents.

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“It is rare that one book can pack so many resources and easy to digest information into a single volume! Families, school personnel, and professionals all need the extensive, and up-to-date tips, guides, and ‘must-knows’ provided here. It’s obvious the author is both a seasoned researcher and practitioner – a winning combination.” - Dr. Debra Moore, psychologist and co-author with Dr. Temple Grandin, of The Loving Push: How Parents & Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adult

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"The author does a wonderful job presenting all of the data, facts, figures and statistics in a very structured layout that is straightforward, practical and convenient to access. With the rising incidence of children being diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, this guide should be required reading for all direct service providers who work with children in the school setting. On behalf of the Autism community I extend a sincere thank you to Lee Wilkinson for this impressive and most valuable resource.” - ParentCoachingforAutism.com

“Dr. Wilkinson has created an outstanding blend of academic research and practical application in a text that is so clearly written it is a pleasure to read for professionals and parents alike. This book fills an important need that has existed for years. Dr. Wilkinson has created an indispensable resource that should definitely be in each school’s professional library.” - Ally4Autism.com

"The author has expertly formatted the book and each chapter so that the reader is provided with an excellent resource of recent and relevant information pertaining to screening, formal assessment, and interventions with individuals in this population.” - Canadian Journal of School Psychology

“The uses and limitations of a variety of methods from psychometrics to observational assessments are clearly presented. Case studies give the reader exemplars of a range of assessments and the implications for learning in a highly readable way. Key issues are provided in summary boxes. Interventions include a detailed guide to promote skills in self-monitoring in the learner. In summary, this is an accessible book, of benefit to all those involved in the assessment and support of students with ASD.” - Educational Psychology in Practice

"School district administrators, attorneys, educators, and psychologists will want to have this guide available to them as a resource on 'best practices' in the field of ASD." -Diane Adreon, Associate Director, University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD)

"This book provides a complete source for parents, educators, researchers and clinicians seeking information related to assessment and interventions available for individuals (mostly children) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Parents will benefit from reading this book as it exposes variety of issues to consider when seeking assessment and treatment for their children." -Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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